The Belmont University Board of Trust recently added six new members for the start of the 2024-2025 academic year: Principal of BLVD Capital and Belmont alumnus Jim Darter; Staff, Executive Services at LBMC and Belmont alumna Mackenzie Gimbel (who is serving as an Alumni Regent on the Board); Founding CEO of SwitchPoint Ventures Ray Guzman; Richard J. and Barbara Naclerio Endowed Chair in Business, Professor of Marketing and Belmont alumnus Jeremy Kees; community member Anna Thornton; and President & CEO for Warner Chappell Nashville and Belmont alumnus Ben Vaughn.
"We are thrilled to welcome these distinguished individuals to Belmont's Board of Trust,” said Board Chair Milton Johnson. “Their diverse backgrounds in business, technology, academia, philanthropy and the music industry bring valuable perspectives that will guide Belmont's continued growth and success. Each new member embodies Belmont’s values and deep commitments, and we look forward to their contributions in shaping our institution's bright future."
Jim Darter started his career in public accounting working for Deloitte & Touche and is currently a licensed Certified Public Accountant. He is Principal of BLVD Capital, a Nashville-based family office and serves on many boards including Hope House of Tennessee and the Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America, among others.
Mackenzie Gimbel is a 2024 Belmont graduate who studied social entrepreneurship and music. Currently working at LBMC in Executive Services, Mackenzie has been involved in many community initiatives including volunteering with Room at the Inn and the Nashville Book Connection.
Ray Guzman is the Founding CEO of SwitchPoint Ventures and is responsible for all aspects of the business, including overseeing SwitchPoint’s interests in its portfolio companies. Prior to this role, Ray was in leadership at Intermedix/R1 where he oversaw a large, globally distributed analytics business unit. Prior to his journey as an entrepreneur, Ray’s career included positions with Microsoft, Freeliant, Venture Technologies, Dialogic Communications and the US Army.
Jeremy Kees is the Richard J. and Barbara Naclerio Endowed Chair in Business at Villanova University. He is also the Founding Director of the Center for Marketing and Consumer Insights and Editor-in-Chief of a leading scientific journal. Aside from his scholarly responsibilities, he consults in both the corporate and government sectors on issues related to data-driven decision making and consumer behavior.
Anna Thornton is an active community volunteer who was the founding treasurer of Hands On Nashville, former chair of the board of The Next Door and former board member of the Francis Schaeffer Institute at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She serves on the Friends of Warner Parks board and has long supported her children’s schools through various leadership and service roles.
Ben Vaughn is one of the most accomplished executives in the Nashville music industry and currently serves as President and CEO for Warner Chappell Nashville. In this role, Ben leads the company’s entire Nashville operation and oversees all creative and commercial activations across A&R, administration, business development, finance and human resources. Ben is former chair of the ACM Board, is on the board for the CMA, a NARAS Governor and an alumnus of Leadership Music.
"The addition of these exceptional leaders to our Board of Trust reflects Belmont's commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Their expertise and dedication to service align with our mission to develop purpose-driven leaders who can make a positive impact on the world. I'm particularly excited that three of our new members are Belmont alumni, showcasing the caliber of leaders our University produces. With their guidance, Belmont is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a leading Christ-centered university."
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